Mark "Chopper" Read On 17 November 1954, Melbourne underworld criminal figure, writer, and actor Chopper Read was born. Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read was an Australian convicted criminal, gang member and author. Read wrote a series of semi-autobiographical fictional crime novels and children's books. The 2000 film Chopper is based on his life. Read was born on 17 November … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1954, Melbourne underworld criminal figure, writer, and actor Chopper Read was born